By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo & Dennis Bebane
The Deputy Project Manager for Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH), Simon Kunyangna, says rural women are the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural development. He noted that their contributions extend far beyond farming; they build climate resilience, ensure food security, and strengthen local economies.
Mr Kunyangna made the observation when he joined the chiefs and people of Kperisi in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region to mark this year’s International Women Day. He stated that across the agricultural landscape, rural women stand at the forefront of food production, yet they often face significant challenges in gaining access to resources, finance, or decision-making opportunities.
The Deputy Project Manager for Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH), Simon Kunyangna, explained that this year’s theme, “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All” is a timely reminder of the indispensable role that rural women play. He said not only in feeding our communities but also in fostering climate resilience and driving economic growth. Mr Kunyangna said with support from the Regional Department of Agriculture, more than 83,000 farmers, including women, have been introduced to good agricultural practices, leading to significant productivity gains—up to 78% in rice and 99% in soybean, compared to baseline data from 2017.
He touched on the introduction of neem bio-pesticides, produced by Tibourataa Women Group, an organic alternative to synthetic chemicals to help protect crops while creating new livelihoods for women engaged in promoting sustainable farming.
Women In Agricultural Development (WIAD) Officer for the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Madam Matilda Anagbire, said rural women contribute about 70 percent of the food in the local market. This include vegetables, legumes, and cereals, and the day was set aside to recognise the crucial role women play and encourage them to do more in order to safeguard food security in the country.
She said WIAD is training women in good agronomic practices to ensure environmental safety and soil fertility to improve their farm produce.
The Technical Advisor of GIZ MOAP-NW, Emile Aman,stressed the need for farmers to adopt proper application of agro-chemicals and advised that organic pesticide are safe compared to inorganic ones.
He underscored the necessity for good agronomic practices and demonstrated how pesticides should be applied.
The Regional Schedule Officer for Projects, Department of Agriculture, Alphonsus Abobo, who deputised for the Upper West Regional Director of Agriculture, commended rural women for the critical role they play in feeding the nation, saying those in the urban centres depend heavily on rural communities for food supply.
Mr Abobo praised the Tibourataa Women’s Group for their efforts in making the Neem Crop Protector and other neem derivatives that are used as pesticides, which he described as safe, game-changing moves in the agricultural sector.
The Factory Manager at the Tibourataa Women’s Group, Madam Wasila Issah, said the Neem products of the group are instrumental in ensuring food security and environmental conservation.
She observed that transportation is a key challenge of the Tibourataa Women’s Group and entreated the government and other public-spirited individuals and organisations to assist them with a vehicle to reduce the drudgery they go through in their activities.
Eight women’s groups and two women-owned businesses were honoured for demonstrating outstanding leadership in their communities.
